NISMO is Nissan's performance division, and the automaker is taking steps to expand the brand globally. At the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, Nissan unveiled the 2013 Juke NISMO and the 2014 370Z NISMO.

"NISMO brings a new level of performance to the Nissan brand, reinforced by its heritage as the racing heartbeat of the company," said Simon Sproule, Nissan's corporate vice president, global marketing communications. "With the global expansion of NISMO-branded products, we want to make NISMO the most recognized and respected performance brand from Japan."

The new 2013 Nissan Juke NISMO, equipped with nearly 100 individual revised components, according to the automaker, goes on sale in March of 2013. Offered with white, silver, or black paint and equipped with LED running lights, red mirror caps, and revised bodywork that is claimed by Nissan to increase aerodynamic downforce by 37% compared to the base model, the 2013 Juke NISMO is equipped with a NISMO-tuned, turbocharged, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 197 horsepower. A 6-speed manual gearbox delivers power to the crossover SUV's front wheels. A NISMO-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a manual shift mode and an all-wheel-drive system equipped with rear-wheel torque-vectoring technology are options.

Additional performance-oriented modifications to the Juke NISMO include a lowered sport suspension that Nissan says improves the vehicle's cornering capability and turn-in behavior, while simultaneously reducing body roll. The driver grips a thick-rimmed Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red centering stripe in the 12 o'clock position. The stripe is used to provide direction to the vehicle's performance-tuned steering. The Juke NISMO rides on 18-inch smoked-finish aluminum 10-spoke wheels with low- profile performance tires.

Inside, the Juke NISMO has performance-bolstered front seats with synthetic suede upholstery, red contrast stitching, and embroidered NISMO logos. The Juke NISMO is also equipped with an Integrated Control (I-CON) system that allows the driver to program specific vehicle profiles. Nissan likens its I-CON technology to "a great smartphone."

Prices for the 2013 Nissan Juke NISMO will be available closer to the model's on-sale date.